The Croatian energy sector is witnessing significant advancements in renewable energy capacity, highlighted by the nearing completion of the country’s largest solar power plant. Located adjacent to the existing Korlat wind farm, this facility has successfully installed approximately 160,000 photovoltaic panels as of early January. With an impressive installed capacity of 99 MW, the Korlat solar plant will work in conjunction with a nearby 58 MW wind facility, creating a hybrid renewable energy park capable of generating around 165 GWh of electricity annually, sufficient to power about 100,000 households. The project, developed by the Chinese firm Norinco, represents a total investment of around 70 million euros and is expected to commence operations later this year.
Dalmatia has emerged as a focal point for solar investments within Croatia, contributing to a substantial increase in the share of non-fossil electricity, which now exceeds two-thirds of the nation’s total production. This trend is further supported by additional solar projects that have come online recently, including the Dugopolje solar power plant, which began commercial operations in November 2025. This facility features an installed capacity of 13.5 MW and is designed to generate approximately 17.2 GWh annually, serving around 6,000 households. Built by Koncar at an investment of about 11 million euros, construction commenced in January 2024.
The national utility, HEP, currently operates 11 non-integrated solar power plants connected to the grid, with another seven under development. In addition to Dugopolje, new plants at Crnkovci and Jambrek commenced regular operations in 2025. Projects such as Radosavci, Lipik, and Cakovec are also nearing critical milestones as they prepare for grid connection.
The expansion of solar initiatives is not limited to the mainland; Croatia’s islands are also seeing significant developments. A 1 MW solar plant is currently under construction on Unije, following an earlier project on Vis. This facility aims to meet a substantial portion of the island’s electricity needs and may incorporate battery storage and grid-independent capabilities. Other island projects include an 8 MW plant in Bogomolje on Hvar and a 6.5 MW installation near Orlec on Cres, with additional projects planned near Ustrine.
On the mainland, HEP is advancing six major solar projects, with the 45 MW Sukosan plant being particularly notable for its scale. The growth of rooftop solar generation is also noteworthy; over 65 integrated systems have already been installed on company-owned buildings, with plans for an additional 90 rooftop plants. These efforts collectively enhance Croatia’s distributed renewable energy capacity and underline the country’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy infrastructure.
